Reusable rotating bottle cap markers for bottles and containers

ABSTRACT

Provided is a reusable container cap adapted to help identify a container belonging to a particular user or to help identify contents of a container when there are several containers similar in appearance. The cap comprises a cap housing that encases one or more rotating dials. The dials are stacked inside of the cap housing, forming a flat upper surface. A visible surface of each of the dials features letters, numbers, or symbols near its outer edge. The cap housing has a cutout that allows the user to rotate the dials using his or her fingers. When the dials are rotated, a combination of letters, numbers, or symbols are displayed, enabling the user identify his or her bottle or contents within the bottle. The present invention fits over standard size valves of various conventional bottles and containers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/837,484 filed on Jun. 20, 2013. The above identified patentapplication is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety toprovide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a reusable bottle cap adapted foridentifying the owner or contents of a bottle or a container. Morespecifically, the present invention describes a bottle cap with one ormore dials that help individuals identify their beverage bottle. Thedials feature various characters such as letters, numbers, or symbolsthat are displayed through a window cutout on top or side of the cap. Auser can turn the dials to display a particular combinations of letters,numbers, or symbols. The bottle cap is designed to fit a valve or anopening for a standard size beverage bottle, thereby allowing users touse the present invention with a wide variety of beverage bottles orcontainers. The bottle cap helps distinguish a beverage bottle fromanother beverage bottle similar in appearance, which prevents confusionand spread of germs.

Many individuals drink water, soft drinks, and other beverages fromdisposable plastic bottles. Disposable plastic beverage bottles tend tobe similar in appearance to other disposable plastic bottles.Particularly when individuals are drinking the same beverage in a socialgathering, it is often impossible to distinguish one bottle from theother. When individuals put their drinks down and cannot remember whichbottle is theirs, half-consumed drinks are often tossed out to avoidunintentionally drinking another person's drink. In an effort toidentify their beverage bottle, some individuals attempt to label theirbottles with markers, but marker ink can be quickly wiped off by thecondensation that forms on the bottle's surface. Other individualschoose to rip off the beverage's label in hopes of identifying theirbottles, but this does not work if multiple individuals remove thelabel. Similar bottle appearances often cause individuals toinadvertently drink from the wrong bottle, which can lead to spread ofbacteria and germs.

The present invention is a bottle cap designed to assist individuals inidentifying their beverage bottles, without the need to mark the bottleor alter the appearance of the bottle label. Individuals can use thepresent invention to display his or her initials or a particularcombination of letters, numbers, or symbols, which is easy to read. Oncea user adjusts the dials of the present invention to display the desiredcombination of letters, numbers, or symbols, the user can lock thecombination in place by using a locking mechanism on the device. Thelocking mechanism on the device prevents the user from accidentallyrotating the dials and changing the combination of letters, numbers, orsymbols. The locking mechanism can be easily unlocked when the user isready to change the combination of letters, numbers, or symbols.

The present invention helps to prevent individuals from unintentionallydrinking out of the wrong beverage bottle by helping the user to easilyidentify his or her bottle. Additionally, the present invention can beused to identify the contents in a bottle or container. For instance, auser having a special dietary restrictions or allergies can utilize thepresent invention to display identifying information about contents ofthe bottle to avoid inadvertently consuming the contents. The presentinvention is reusable and may be used with various types of beveragebottles having a standard size valve, allowing users to use the bottlecap with a different beverage bottle. Further, the present invention canhelp prevent individuals from transmitting germs or from drinking out ofa beverage bottle containing liquids that could cause hypersensitivereactions to certain individuals.

Description of the Prior Art

Patents have been granted to several devices that attempt to facilitatethe identification of beverage bottles of the owner, and further tothose emphasizing versatile use with various types of beverage bottles.Many bottle caps require a user to make markings on a cap or remember adesigned marking on a bottle or a container. These devices, however,fail to provide a reusable bottle cap device adapted to be positioned ona bottle having a standard size valve, and that further includesletters, numbers, or symbols disposed on one or more dials, whichimproves the identification of beverage bottles similar in appearance.In further comparison to the prior art, the present invention does notrequire a user to make a marking with a writing utensil or remember adesignated code or design on a bottle thereby providing more conveniencein a solution that improves the identification of beverage bottlessimilar in appearance. Thus, the present invention addresses theprominent shortcomings relating to bottle caps that commonly reside inthe art and provides a novel solution relating to identifying one bottlefrom another.

Specifically, U.S. Publication Patent Application Number 2012/0138563 toBrumfield discloses an identifiable cap for a beverage container. TheBrumfield device features a small region on top of the cap that has asmall writable surface. Unlike the present invention, the Brumfielddevice requires a user to mark the cap with a writing utensil toidentify his or her beverage container. While the writable surface onthe cap allows the user to identify his or her beverage container, theBrumfield device is limited to use with a writing utensil, which can beproblematic and inconvenient. The marking can also be rubbed off of thecap, unless a cover or a film is used to protect the marked surface. Incontrast, the present invention is capable of allowing the user to markhis or her beverage without a writing utensil. Additionally, theBrumfield device includes identifying tags with pre-stamped symbols.However, the tags would not help distinguish one bottle from another ifmultiple individuals used the same tag. On the other hand, the presentinvention allows a user to display one of hundreds of combinations ofletters, numbers, or symbols, significantly reducing the possibility ofmultiple individuals displaying the same combination of letters,numbers, or symbols. Furthermore, the present invention comprises alocking mechanism that allows the user to lock the combination until theuser is ready to change it. As such, the user cannot inadvertentlychange the combination of letters, numbers, or symbols while using thepresent invention.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 8,056,930 to Cassidy discloses a bottle cap foridentifying beverages. The Cassidy device includes layers of coating onthe top and sides of a bottle cap and a ring attached thereto. TheCassidy device requires a user to scratch random marks on the cap,exposing a layer of different color underneath. The alignment of themarking with respect to the cap and the ring allows the user to identifyhis or her bottle. While the Cassidy device can provide a unique markingfor an individual user, its use is very limited. Specifically, the usercan scratch off the entire layer of coating during single use, orinadvertently make a marking while using the device. Unlike the presentinvention, the Cassidy device is suitable for a short-term use. As such,the purpose and design of the Cassidy device diverges in intent anddesign from the present invention, which discloses a plurality of dialsthat can clearly display a variety of combinations of letters, numbers,or symbols featured on its top surface. The present invention is suitedfor repeated use over time, and is not limited to short-term use.Further, in contrast to the Cassidy device, the present invention allowsa user to change the displayed letters, numbers, or symbols as desired.

U.S. Published Patent Application Number 2013/0036634 to Key discloses arotating label for various containers. The label disclosed in Keycontains information that coordinates with information printed on aninterior portion of a closure for the container. The label is adapted tobe interactive with the closure particularly for beverage companies topromote contests and other information. Thus, the closure in Key haslimited use without the label. While the closure in Key comprisesinformation printed on an interior portion of the closure, it does notprovide identifying information personal to the user. As such, thepurpose and design of the Key device diverges in intent and design fromthe present information, which discloses a bottle cap displayingidentifying information on a top surface thereof, and wherein the bottlecap is encases one or more dials that can be rotated by the user todisplay a particular combination of letters, numbers, or symbols. Inaddition, the present invention is suitable for use with various stylesof beverage bottles so long as the valve of the beverage bottle is astandard size valve.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,028,446 to Moran discloses a collection of coloredbeverage caps adapted for conventional beverage bottles. A single coloris designated to a single user to indicate a user of the beveragebottle. While the Moran device can easily identify multiple beveragebottles, the Moran device has limited use because only a set number ofcaps with different colors are available. Accordingly, the Moran deviceis not desirable when there are not enough colors for all of the usersto have a different colored cap at one time. In contrast, the presentinvention does not limit the number of users that can use the device atany one time. The present invention is capable of displaying one ofhundreds of different combination of letters, numbers, or symbols suchthat the possibility of any two users displaying a same combination ofletters, numbers, or symbols is highly unlikely and easily preventable.Further, the present invention allows a user to change the identifyinginformation displayed by rotating the dials on the bottle cap.

U.S. Published Patent Application 2012/0241451 to Pether discloses a capadapted for pill bottles that indicate tamper evidence, comprising alid, a liner, and a spring. The Pether device requires a user to pushdown on the lid before opening the bottle to prevent a tab from becomingdamaged or punctured, which would indicate tempering. Unlike the presentinvention, the Pether device is not adapted to indicate which bottlebelongs to which user. Rather, the Pether cap is adapted to identify anytampering with the bottle and its contents, which is evidenced by adamaged tab attached to the cap. In this respect, the objective anddesign of the Pether device differs from the objective and design of thepresent invention, which discloses a bottle cap for displayingidentifying information to indicate which beverage bottle belongs to aparticular user.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,573 to Fuerstman discloses an identification systemfor individual containers of a consumer pack of beverages. The Fuerstmandevice comprises identifying indicia, such as a code, printed onto thelabel of the container or directly onto the container. Although theidentifying indicia in Fuerstman assists in distinguishing one containerfrom another, the identifying indicia cannot be reused because it isunique to the particular container that it is attached to. Furthermore,the Fuerstman device has limited use because labels can be easily tornoff of the container, and printed materials can be easily wiped off bythe condensation on the bottle surface. The present invention addressesthe issue by displaying the identifying indicia on a reusable bottlecap, allowing users to display letters, numbers, or symbols of theirchoice.

While Brumfield, Cassidy, Key, Moran, and Fuerstman disclose anidentification system for beverage bottles, U.S. Pat. No. 6,615,517 toKing discloses an identification system for glassware. Specifically, theKing device discloses a trinket attached to an annular member thatclings onto a piece of glassware, where the color or design of thetrinket assists users in distinguishing one glass from another. Unlikethe present invention, the King device is primarily intended for usewith reusable glassware having a stem or a handle, such as wine glasses,beer mugs, or cocktail glasses. The King device is not adapted forbeverage bottles or containers, and fails to address the issues ofidentifying one beverage bottle from another that is similar inappearance. As such, applications of the King device will not bedesirable for use in disposable or reusable beverage bottles in whichdifferentiating bottles similar in appearance is a concern. It isunlikely that a user will cling a trinket to a beverage bottle. Rather,users will desire a bottle cap such as the present invention, whichallows users to display identifying information on the cap of thebeverage bottle.

The present invention relates to a beverage bottle cap adapted todisplay identifying information, allowing a user to easily identify hisor her bottle. The bottle cap comprises one or more dials havingletters, numbers, or symbols printed along the outer edge of its visiblesurface. The three dials are stacked on top of the other such that thethird dial is at the bottom, the second dial is at the middle, and thefirst dial is at the top. The dials are enclosed in a bottle caphousing, which comprises at least one cutout on the top or the side ofthe housing. A user can access the edge of the dials through the cutouton the side of the housing and can turn the dials using his or her thumbor finger until a desired combination of letters, numbers, and symbolsis displayed on the cap. The present invention can be used with astandard size valve on various beverage bottles. It is thereforesubmitted that the present invention substantially diverges in designelements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is aneed in the art for an improvement to existing bottle cap devices thatfacilitate identification of the owner. In this regard the instantinvention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofbottle cap devices now present in the prior art, the present inventionprovides a new improvement to bottle caps wherein the same can beutilized to help identify a user and contents of a container when thereare several containers similar in appearance.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved bottle cap device that has all of the advantages of the priorart and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved bottle cap device having a bottle cap housing and one or morerotatable dials that display letters, numbers, or symbols in order tohelp a user to identify his or her bottle or beverage container, or thecontents thereof.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved bottle cap device with a bottle cap housing and one or morerotatable dials to display a unique visual indicator to identify theuser or contents of a bottle.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved bottle cap device with a bottle cap housing and a lever torotate one or more dials to display a unique visual indicator.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved bottle cap device with a bottle cap housing and a rotatableknob to rotate one or more dials to display a unique visual indicator toidentify the user or contents of a bottle.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved bottle cap device having a locking mechanism to prevent a userfrom inadvertently changing a combination of letters, numbers, orsymbols displayed on the bottle cap.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved bottle cap device adapted for use with various bottles orcontainers having a standard size valve.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved bottle cap device that allows the bottle cap to be markedwithout the use of a writing utensil or other tools used for marking.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedbottle cap device that is washable and reusable.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present inventionincluding three rotatable dials.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the present inventionincluding three rotatable dials.

FIG. 3 is an orthogonal side view of an embodiment of the presentinvention including a cap housing, three rotatable dials, a valvehousing, and a valve closure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cap housing, a top dial, a middledial, a bottom dial, a valve housing, and a valve closure of anembodiment, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the presentinvention having two rotatable dials and one turning knob adapted toturn a third rotatable dial from the top of the device.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of a second embodiment of the presentinvention having two dials having a surface exposed on a side and havingone turning knob adapted to turn a third rotatable dial from the top ofthe device.

FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional perspective view of a second embodimentof the present invention having two rotatable dials on the side and oneturning knob adapted to turn a third rotatable dial from the top of thedevice.

FIG. 8 shows a view of a turning knob, a cap housing, a top dial, amiddle dial, and a bottom dial of the second embodiment, constructed inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a user turning the dials of the second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the presentinvention having three rotatable dials with an opening on the side ofthe cap housing through which the dials can be seen.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention having one rotatable dial with a visible surface on the top ofthe device.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention having a cap dial and a lever.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention as used for a prescription pill bottle.

FIG. 14 shows a view of an embodiment of the present invention as usedfor a variety of bottles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the bottle cap. For the purposes of presenting a brief andclear description of the present invention, the preferred embodimentwill be discussed as used for identifying the user or contents of acontainer when there are several containers similar in appearance. Thefigures are intended for representative purposes only and should not beconsidered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown perspective views of areusable bottle cap 50 in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent invention. A cap housing 51, which secures the components of thebottle cap 50, is generally cylindrical in shape, although other shapesmay be used. The cap housing 51 comprises a substantially closed upper52, an open lower, a substantially closed lateral surface 53, and ahollow interior 58. The housing 51 may be formed of a single piece ofrigid material, such as plastic.

In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the cap housing51 encloses three rotatable dials 55, 56, 57, each rotatable dial havinga visible surface 61, 60, 59, respectively. Each of the dials 55, 56, 57are substantially round in shape and are composed of a rigid material,such as plastic. The dials 55, 56, 57 are mounted within the upperportion of the hollow interior 58. The dials include a plurality ofcharacters thereon such as letters, numbers, symbols, and/or blankspaces. The characters are disposed around the visible surface 61, 60,59, of the dials 55, 56, 57, respectively. In the illustratedembodiment, the visible surfaces 61, 60, 59 are configured so that auser can display a combination of two letters on the visible surfaces61, 60 and a symbol on the visible surface 59. Each dial is individuallyrotatable and settable so that an individual or a set of characters maybe selected. The dials 55, 56, 57 may be knurled around its perimeteredge, giving tactile feedback and providing more control to a user whenrotating the dials 55, 56, 57.

The housing 51 of the illustrated embodiment further comprises a windowcutout 54 in a modified L-shape. The window cutout 54 is positionedapproximately from the center of the upper surface 52 to its perimeteredge, then extended downward to the middle of the lateral surface 53.The window cutout 54 displays the visible surfaces of the dials. Assuch, the window cutout 54 is adapted to display one of the charactersfrom each of the visible surface 61, 60, 59 of the rotatable dials atone time. The upper portion of the window cutout 54 disposed on theupper surface 52 of the housing 51 displays a combination of characterson the visible surfaces 61, 60, 59 of the dials 55, 56, 57,respectively. The lateral portion of the window cutout 54 allows a userto access the edges of the dials 55, 56, 57. When a desired combinationof the characters are positioned in alignment with the window cutout 54,the combination of the characters serves as a visual indicator to theuser in facilitating identification of his or her beverage bottle. Thedials 55, 56, 57 remain in place until the user manipulates the dials ata later time to display a new combination of characters.

The lower portion of the hollow interior 58 of the bottom of the cap 50includes a valve housing 69, which encases a valve closure 74. The lowerportion of the hollow interior 58 is adapted to encase a valve on abottle. In the present embodiment, the hollow interior 58 is adapted toencase a standard size valve on a beverage bottle. When in use, thevalve is positioned in the hollow interior 58, and slid thereunder. Thehollow interior 58 is configured so that the valve may be enclosedtherein without interfering with the rotatable dials 55, 56, 57. Thebottle cap 50 of the present invention provides a complete seal aroundthe valve as to prevent debris or germs from coming into contact withthe valve or the hollow interior 58.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a side orthogonal view of anembodiment of the bottle cap 50. The housing 51 has a substantiallyclosed upper 52 and an open lower. The dials 55, 56, 57 are axiallyaligned with each other, the cap housing 51, and a valve housing 69. Thedial 55 is positioned above dial 56, which is positioned above dial 57.When the dials 55, 56, 57 are stacked on top of each other, the visiblesurfaces collectively form a substantially flat surface that ispositioned flush adjacent to the upper surface 52 of the housing 51.Additionally, the edges of the dials 55, 56, 57 are adjacent to eachother such that the edges form a substantially level, knurled surface.

The dial 55 is a substantially ring-shaped structure and includes a flatvisible surface. The outer perimeter of the visible surface issubstantially equal to the outer perimeter of its flat lower surface.The dial 56 is a modified bell shape with orthogonal sides and a hollowmiddle. The visible surface of the dial 56 protrudes upwards, creating ashoulder 104. The outer perimeter of the visible surface issubstantially equal to the inner perimeter of the visible surface of thedial 55. As such, the outer perimeter of the visible surface of the dial56 may slide into the inner perimeter of the visible surface of the dial55. When the dials 55, 56 are properly positioned, the lower surface ofthe dial 55 rests on the shoulder 104 of the dial 56, and the visiblesurfaces of dials 55 and 56 form a substantially flat surface.

The dial 57 is also a modified bell shape with orthogonal sides. Thevisible surface of the dial 57 also protrudes upwards, creating ashoulder 105. The outer perimeter of the visible surface of the dial 57is substantially equal to the inner perimeter of the visible surface ofthe dial 56. As such, the outer perimeter of the visible surface of thedial 57 may slide into the inner perimeter of the visible surface 60,and the lower surface of the dial 56 rests on the shoulder 105 of thedial 57. When the dials 55, 56, 57 are properly positioned, the visiblesurfaces of dials 55, 56, 57 are shown as concentric rings and form asubstantially flat surface. The lower surface of the dial 57 furtherincludes a round depression adapted to be mounted onto a protrudingmember 72 on top of a valve housing 69. The valve housing 69 supportsthe dials 55, 56, 57 from below to secure the dials 55, 56, 57 in theupper portion of the hollow interior 58 of the housing 51. The valvehousing 69 also encloses a valve closure 74 thereunder. The valveclosure 74 comprises a hollow interior adapted to fit a valve from abeverage bottle.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view an embodiment of the bottle cap 50,constructed in accordance with the present invention. The assemblycomprises six main elements that form the bottle cap 50, namely a caphousing 51, a plurality of rotatable dials 55, 56, 57, a valve housing69, and a valve closure 74.

The dials 55, 56, 57 are axially aligned with each other and with thecap housing 51 and the valve housing 69. Each of the dials include aplurality of characters comprising letters, numbers, or symbolspositioned around the circumference of the visible surface of the dial.The dials 55, 56 of the illustrated embodiment each have letters evenlyspaced around the circumference of the visible surface 61, 62,respectively. The third dial 57 has symbols evenly spaced around thecircumference of the visible surface 59. Other embodiments may havenumbers or other symbols around the visible surface. Additionally, otherembodiments may have greater or fewer characters around the visiblesurface. For example, larger dials are capable of displaying a greaternumber and combination of characters on the visible surface thereof.

The dials 55, 56, 57 are arranged so that the dial 57 is positionedbelow the dial 56, which is positioned below the dial 55. An innerperimeter 62 of the dial 55 fits around an outer perimeter 65 of thevisible surface 60. An inner perimeter 63 of the dial 56 fits around anouter perimeter 64 of the dial 57. As such, when the dials 55, 56, 57are stacked, visible surfaces 59, 60, and 61 form a substantially flat,contiguous visible surface. Additionally, an edge 66 of the dial 55, anedge 67 of the dial 56, and an edge 68 of the dial 57 are positionedflush against each other.

The lower surface of the dial 57 rests on an upper surface 71 of thevalve housing 69 having a closed upper 71, open lower, and enclosedlateral surface 70. The valve housing 69 is substantially cylindrical inshape and comprises a rigid material, such as plastic or other suitablematerials. A round protruding member 72 is adapted to fit into adepression on a lower surface of dial 57. The lateral surface 70 of thevalve housing 69 fits tightly into the hollow interior 58 of the housing51 so that the dials 55, 56, 57 are secured in place in the upperportion of the hollow interior 58 of the housing 51. The valve housingflange 73 located at the lower region of the valve housing 69 helpssecure the valve housing 69 to the housing 51, as well as the bottle cap50 of the present invention to a bottle or a container. The valvehousing 69 further comprises a hollow interior, which is adapted to fita valve closure 74 therein.

The valve closure 74 is tube-like in shape with an open upper and lowerregion, an exterior lateral surface 75, an interior lateral surface 77,and a perimeter edge 76. The valve closure 74 comprises a silicon or arubber-like material that can create a seal around a valve on a beveragebottle. The outer surface 75 of the valve closure 74 fits tightly in thehollow interior of the valve housing 69. The valve closure 74 is adaptedto fit around standard size valves of a conventional beverage bottlesuch that the valve would be enclosed in the valve closure 74 withouttouching the interior lateral surface 77 of the valve closure 74. Whenthe bottle cap 50 is in use, the perimeter edge 76 creates a seal toprevent any debris from touching the valve or interior of the valveclosure 74. To use the bottle cap 50 over the valve, the user wouldslide the bottle cap 50 on and off of the valve.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, there are shown perspective views of asecond embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment of thepresent invention also includes a cap housing 51, which is generallycylindrical in shape with a substantially closed upper 52 and openlower, a substantially closed lateral surface 53, and a hollow interior.In the second embodiment of the present invention, the housing 51encloses a rotating knob 78 and three rotatable dials 55, 56, 87, eachhaving a visible surface 61, 60, 83, respectively. The rotating knob 78is rod-like in shape, with a closed, rounded protruding top surface 108and an open lower with a hollow interior.

Each of the dials 55, 56, 87 are substantially round in shape with ahollow middle adapted to receive the rotating knob 78 therethrough. Therotating knob 78 extends from the upper surface 52 of the housing 51 tothe shoulder of the dial 87. The dials 55, 56, 87 are axially alignedwith each other, the rotating knob 78, and the housing 51. The dials 55,56, 87 are adapted to pivot around the rotating knob 78. The dials 55and 56 are the same as disclosed previously in the first embodiment.Accordingly, when assembled, the lower surface of the dial 55 rests onthe shoulder of the dial 56.

The dial 87 comprises a protruding visible surface 83, a shoulder, and abase member 106 further comprising a base lateral surface 84, a hollowinterior 85, and a threaded interior lateral surface 86. The outerperimeter of the visible surface 83 is adapted to slide into the innerperimeter of the visible surface 60. When assembled, the lower surfaceof the dial 56 is placed on top of the shoulder on the dial 87. Thedials 55, 56, and the visible surface 83 of the dial 87 are encased inthe housing 51. When the dials 55, 56, 87 are positioned, the visiblesurfaces 61, 60, 83 form a substantially flat, contiguous surface. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the visible surfaces 61, 60, 83, areconfigured so that a user can display a combination of three numbers.Each dial is individually rotatable and settable so that an individualor a set of numbers may be selected. The dials 55, 56, may be knurledaround its perimeter edge, giving tactile feedback and providing abetter grip to the user when rotating the dials 55, 56.

The housing 51 of the illustrated embodiment further comprises a windowcutout 54 in a wedge shape. The window cutout 54 is positionedapproximately from the center of the upper surface 52 to its perimeteredge, then extended downward to the lower perimeter edge of the lateralsurface 53. The window cutout 54 identifies to the user where toposition the dials that have selected numbers. As such, the windowcutout 54 is adapted to display one of the numbers from each of thedials 55, 56, 87 at one time. The upper portion of the window cutout 54displays a combination of numbers on the visible surfaces 61, 60, 83 ofthe dials 55, 56, 87, respectively. The lateral portion of the windowcutout 54 allows a user to access the knurled edges of the dials 55, 56.To rotate the innermost dial 87, the rotating knob 78 is utilized. Whenthe proper combination of the numbers are positioned in alignment withthe window cutout 54, the user can identify his or her beverage bottle.The dials 55, 56, 87, remain in place until a user manipulates the dials55, 56 and the rotating knob 78 at a later time to display a newcombination of numbers.

In the present embodiment, the housing 51 is vertically aligned with thebase member of the dial 87 and press fitted to the perimeter edge of theshoulder 80. When the housing 51 is fitted onto the top portion of thedial 87, the lateral surface 53 of the housing and the base lateralsurface 84 form a substantially flat, contiguous surface. The hollowinterior 85 of the dial 87 is constructed to accept an opening of abeverage bottle without interfering with the rotatable dials 55, 56, 87positioned thereabove. Furthermore, the threaded interior lateralsurface 86 of the dial 87 is adapted to twist onto a threaded opening ofa beverage bottle to securely close the bottle, preventing the contentsof the bottle from spilling.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a cross sectional perspectiveview of a second embodiment of the present invention. The housing 51 hasa substantially closed upper surface 52 and an open lower region. Thedials 55, 56, 87, are axially aligned with each other, the housing 51,and a rotating knob 78. The rotating knob 78 extends from the uppersurface 52 to the shoulder 80 of the dial 87. The housing 51 of thisembodiment encases the dials 55, 56, and an upper portion of the dial 87including the visible surface 83. The dial 55 is positioned above dial56, which is positioned above dial 87. When the dials 55, 56, 87, areproperly positioned, the visible surfaces 61, 60, 83 collectively form asubstantially flat surface that is positioned flush adjacent to theupper surface 52 of the housing 51.

As disclosed in the first embodiment of the present invention, the dial55 is a substantially ring-shaped structure adapted to fit onto theshoulder of the modified bell shaped dial 56. The dial 87 is also amodified bell shape with orthogonal sides and a hollow middle. Thevisible surface 83 of the dial 87 protrudes upward, creating a shoulder80. The lower surface of the dial 56 rests on the shoulder 80 of thedial 87. The outer perimeter of the visible surface 83 is substantiallyequal to the inner perimeter of the visible surface 60 of the dial 56.The base member of the dial 87 has a smooth external lateral surface 84and a hollow interior. The threaded interior lateral surface 86 of thebase member 106 is adapted to twistedly fasten to a threaded opening ofa bottle.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a view of a second embodiment ofthe bottle cap 50, constructed in accordance with the present invention.The assembly comprises five main elements that form the bottle cap 50,namely a rotating knob 78, a housing 51, and three dials 55, 56, and 87.

The dials 55, 56, 87, are axially aligned with one another and with thehousing 51 and the rotating knob 78. The dials 55, 56, 87 of theillustrated embodiment each have numbers evenly spaced around thevisible surface 61, 62, 83 respectively. Other embodiments may haveletters or other symbols around the visible surface. The dials 55, 56,87 are arranged such that the dial 87 is positioned below the dial 56,which is positioned below the dial 55. An inner perimeter 62 of the dial55 fits around an outer perimeter 65 of the visible surface 60. Thelower surface of dial 55 rests on the shoulder 104 of the dial 56. Aninner perimeter 63 of the dial 56 fits around an outer perimeter surface82 of the dial 87. The lower surface of dial 56 rests on the shoulder 80of the dial 87. As such, when the dials 55, 56, 87 are stacked, visiblesurfaces 83, 60, and 61 form a substantially flat surface. Additionally,the edge 66 of the dial 55 is adjacent and substantially level to theedge 67 of the dial 56.

The dial 87 comprises a protruding visible surface 83, a shoulder 80,hollow middle 81, and a base member 106. The base member 106 furthercomprises a substantially closed upper and open lower, an externallateral surface 84. The circumference of the base member 106 issubstantially equal to the circumference of the housing 51. Whenassembled, the lower perimeter edge of the housing 51 rests at theoutermost edge of the shoulder 80. Accordingly, surface 53 of thehousing 51 and surface 84 of the dial 87 collectively form asubstantially flat, contiguous surface. The base member 106 furthercomprises an inner cavity adapted for covering an opening of a beveragebottle.

The rotating knob 78 is a modified cylindrical shaped structure having aclosed upper 108, an open lower, and a hollow cavity therein. The openlower end of the rotating knob 78 includes a flange 107 that helpssecure the knob 78 in place within the hollow middle of the dials 55,56, 87. The closed upper end 108 of the rotating knob 78 has a dome-likeshape adapted to allow a user to turn the knob 78 with a tip portion offinger. The circumference of the body 109 of the rotating knob 78 issubstantially equal to the inner perimeter of the visible surface 83 sothat the knob 78 fits tightly into the hollow middle 81. When in use,rotating the knob 78 simultaneously rotates the dial 87.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a perspective view of the secondembodiment of the present invention in use as placed on a beveragebottle 96. The rotatable dials of the bottle cap 50 are manipulatablebetween locked and unlocked positions. The bottle cap 50 includes atleast one dial for displaying a variety of characters configured to beshown through the top of the window cutout 54 disposed on the uppersurface 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the characters on the visiblesurfaces 60, 61, 83 may be selected by turning the rotatable dials ofthe bottle cap 50.

To turn the dials a user would access the dial edges through the windowcutout 54 disposed on the lateral surface 53. The user would thenutilize his or her thumb or finger to push the edges of the dialsthrough the side of the window cutout 54 in a clockwise direction. Whena desired combination of characters have been selected on visiblesurfaces 61, 60, 83 the user can turn the dial one click in acounter-clockwise direction to temporarily lock the combination inplace. Temporarily locking the combination in place prevents the userfrom inadvertently rotating the dial while using the device of thepresent invention. To turn the dial, the user would turn the knob 78 byapplying slight pressure and simultaneously turning in a clockwisedirection with a tip portion of the user's finger. Once the desiredcharacters have been identified on visible surface 83, the arrangementof each character is determined so that one or more characters aredisplayed through the top portion of the window cutout 54. To reset thedials and set a new combination of characters, the user would turn therotatable dials in a clockwise direction.

In yet other embodiments, the characters may be selected using othermethods or processes, so as to provide a plurality of dials that can bearranged relative to each other so that the combination of variouscharacters help the user identify his or her beverage bottle.Embodiments of the bottle cap 50 can also be configured to provide atextual combination that is easy for a user to remember. For example, auser may select a combination that provides two letters of theirinitials. The combination of letters, numbers, symbols, and/or blankspaces can help the user to remember the textual combination to identifyhis or her beverage bottle. Although some combinations of certaincharacters may be seemingly unrelated, each letter, number, symbol,and/or blank space may have individual significance to help the userremember and retain the combination to identify the bottle. Moreover,seemingly unrelated combination of characters provide reassuranceagainst other users who may attempt to claim the beverage bottle. As aresult, using one or more characters as the combination to identify thebottle can provide an easier way to identify his or her bottle.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a perspective view of a thirdembodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment of the presentinvention includes a cylindrical housing 61 with a closed upper 52 andopen lower, and a window cutout 88 disposed on the lateral surface 53 ofthe housing 61. The window cutout 88 is rectangular in shape and extendsfrom the top edge of the housing 61 to the lower edge of the housing 61.The window cutout 88 identifies to a user where to position the dialsthat have selected characters. As such, the window cutout 88 is adaptedto display one of the various characters disposed on the visiblesurfaces of each of the dials 89, 90, 91 at one time. Additionally, thewindow cutout 88 allows the user to access the dial edges to rotate thedials 89, 90, 91. When the proper combination of the characters arepositioned in alignment with the window cutout 88, the user can identifyhis or her beverage bottle. The dials 89, 90, 91 remain in place until auser rotates the dials 89, 90, 91 to display a different combination ofcharacters at a later time.

The housing 61 encases three rotatable dials, 89, 90, 91, each dialhaving smooth, visible lateral surfaces and knurled lower perimeteredges disposed thereunder. In the illustrated embodiment, the visiblesurfaces are configured so that the user can display a combination ofthree symbols. Each dial is individually rotatable and settable so thatan individual or a set of symbols may be selected. The knurled perimeteredges give tactile feedback, which provide better control to the userwhen rotating the dials 89, 90, 91. Each of the dials 89, 90, 91 areaxially aligned with each other and the housing 51. As such, each of thedials 89, 90, 91 rotates around its center point.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown a perspective view of a fourthembodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment of thepresent invention includes a cylindrical housing 51 having asubstantially closed upper 52 and open lower, and window cutouts 92, 94.The housing 51 encases one rotatable dial 93 having a visible surface 95and a knurled perimeter edge. The window cutout 92 is disposed near theedge of the upper surface 52. The window cutout 92 identifies to a userwhere to position the dial 93 having selected characters disposed on thevisible surface 95. The window cutout 92 is adapted to display one ofthe characters disposed on visible surface 95 of the dial 93 at onetime. In the illustrated embodiment, the window cutout 92 is round, butit may be constructed in various shapes to display one of the charactersdisposed on visible surface 95.

A second window cutout 94 is disposed on the edge formed between theupper surface 52 and the lateral surface 53. The window cutout 94 allowsa user to access the dial edge of the dial 93 to rotate the dial 93. Theknurled perimeter edge gives a tactile feedback, which allows a user togrip the dial edge when rotating the dial 93. The dial 93 is axiallyaligned with each other and the housing 51. As such, the dial 93 rotatesaround its center point. When a proper symbol is are positioned inalignment with the window cutout 92, the symbol indicates the identityof the user of the beverage bottle 96 or its content.

Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown a frontal perspective view of afifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment of thepresent invention includes a housing 51 having a substantially closedupper 52, an open lower, substantially closed lateral surface 53, andwindow cutouts 100, 101. The window cutout 100 is disposed near the edgeof the closed upper surface 52. The window cutout 100 identifies to auser where to position a dial featuring selected characters. The windowcutout 100 is adapted to display one of the numbers disposed on avisible surface 102 of a rotatable dial at one time. The window cutout101 is disposed on the lateral surface 53 of the housing 51. The windowcutout 101 identifies to the user where to position a second rotatabledial with a visible surface 103. The window cutout 101 is also adaptedto display one of the symbols disposed on the visible surface 103 of thedial at one time. In the illustrated embodiment, the window cutouts 100,101 are round, but it may be constructed in various shapes to displayone of the characters disposed on visible surface 102, 103.

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 51 encases two rotatabledials. One rotatable dial includes the visible surface 102. To selectone of the numbers disposed on the visible surface 102, the user rotatesthe housing 51 in a clockwise direction until the desired number isdisplayed through the window cutout 100. The second rotatable dialincludes a lateral visible surface 103, a flange 99, and a lever 98attached thereto. The lever 98 is adapted to move along the perimeter ofthe lower end of the housing 51. When the lever 98 is moved along theperimeter of the housing 51, the second rotatable dial is rotatedsimultaneously, allowing the user to select one of the symbols disposedon the lateral visible surface 103 and position the desired symbol inalignment with the window cutout 101. The flange 99 is constructed tosecure the housing 51 in place. When the desired characters arepositioned in alignment with the window cutouts 100, 101, the user canidentify his or her beverage bottle.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown a perspective view of anembodiment of the present invention as used for a prescription pillbottle 97. In this embodiment, the housing 51 encloses three dials, 55,56, 57, having visible surfaces 61, 60, 69, respectively. The visiblesurfaces 61, 60, 59 comprise a variety of characters comprising letters,symbols, and/or numbers. In the illustrated embodiment, a manufacturermay select a combination of characters, wherein at least one of thecharacters is specifically targeted to a medical information. Forexample, the bottle cap 50 can be custom configured such that one ormore of the characters include requested medical information for aparticular patient. Additionally, a pharmaceutical company may ordercustom bottle caps 50 adapted to display a combination of medicalsymbols suitable for indicating contents and proper usage of theparticular medication contained in a pill bottle.

Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown a view of the present inventionas used for a variety of beverage bottles 96. The bottle cap 50 of thepresent invention includes a hollow cavity adapted to receive a standardsize opening or a valve of a beverage bottle. The hollow cavity of thebottle cap 50 may be adapted to fit onto a threaded opening for a twistopening or closure. Additionally, the hollow cavity of the bottle cap 50may be adapted to slide on or off of a standard size valve. The bottlecap 50 is suitable for repeated use, and can be washed after each use.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in what is considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be madewithin the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications willoccur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the abovedescription then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assemblyand use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in theart, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. A reusable bottle cap device comprising: a housing having asubstantially closed upper surface, an open lower region, asubstantially closed lateral surface, a hollow inner cavity, and atleast one window cutout; at least one rotatable dial having a visiblesurface on which a plurality of numbers, characters, or symbols aredisplayed and can be seen through said at least one window cutout; saidat least one rotatable dial further comprising an edge that can beaccessed by a user via said at least one window cutout such that a usercan rotate said at least one rotatable dial; a valve housing disposedwithin said open lower region of said housing and adapted to secure to astandard sized opening on a beverage container; wherein said at leastone rotatable dial further comprises: a first rotatable dial comprisingsubstantially a ring shape, a visible surface having an inner and outerperimeter, a hollow middle, and said plurality of numbers, characters,or symbols disposed near said visible surface outer perimeter, whereinsaid visible surface outer perimeter is the edge; a second rotatabledial comprising a modified bell shape, a raised visible surface havingan inner and outer perimeter, a hollow middle, said plurality ofnumbers, characters, or symbols disposed near said visible surface outerperimeter, and the edge disposed near a lower region of said secondrotatable dial; and a third rotatable dial comprising a modified bellshape, a raised visible surface having an inner and outer perimeter, aplurality of numbers, characters, or symbols disposed near said visiblesurface outer perimeter, the edge disposed near a lower region of saidthird rotatable dial, and a lower surface having a central indentation;wherein said first, second and third rotatable dialed are in a stackedorientation; a valve closure, wherein said valve housing comprisesclosed upper surface having a protrusion adapted to fit under at leastone rotatable dial, an open lower region, and a hollow inner cavitytherein adapted to receive said valve closure; said valve closure havingan open upper and lower region, said valve closure adapted to receive avalve of a bottle.